Selected Abstracts and Biographies Oral Presentations 18th Annual Surface Mined Land Reclamation Technology Transfer Seminar

Selected Abstracts and BiographiesOral Presentations 18th Annual Surface Mined Land Reclamation Technology Transfer Seminar Indiana Society of Mining and Reclamation December 6 & 7, 2004

Selected Abstracts and Biographies

Oral Presentations

18th Annual Surface Mined Land Reclamation

Technology Transfer Seminar

Indiana Society of Mining and Reclamation

December 6 & 7, 2004

Workshop on Recent Advances in Mine Drainage Prediction

Roger Hornberger, District Mining Manager

Pottsville District of the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection, Bureau of Mining & Reclamation

5 West Laurel Blvd, Pottsville, PA 17901

Phone: (507) 621-3118

Email: rhornberger@state.pa.us

Keith Brady, Hydrogeologist

Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection, Bureau of Mining &

Reclamation

Permit Div, PA DEP, Pennsylvania Ave, Harrisburg PA 17111

Phone: 717-787-4814

Roger Hornberger has been District Mining Manager of the Pottsville District Office of

PA DEP since 1987 From 1978 to 1986 he was a hydrogeologist with PA’s Bureau of Mining and Reclamation Prior to working for the Commonwealth, he was employed at Penn State University in the Department of Landscape Architecture (1973-1976) and at the Institute for Research on Land and Water Resources (September 1974-August 1975 and July 1976-November 1978) Roger has a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a M.S in geology both from Pennsylvania State University He is the author of publications on coal mine drainage prediction and prevention and is the Interstate MiningCompact Commission’s representative on the Operations Committee of the Acid

Drainage Technology Initiative

Keith Brady graduated with a B.A from Alaska Methodist University with majors in geology and anthropology (archaeology), and has a M.S from the University of Maine inQuaternary geology He has been a hydrogeologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Proection’s Bureau of Mining and Reclamation since 1986 From 1980 to

1986 he was a hydrogeologist at PA DEP’s Cambria District Office Keith helped

develop the Office of Surface Mining’s Acid-Forming Materials course, and is a

registered professional geologist in Pennsylvania His professional interests are geologic controls on rock chemistry/mineralogy and their subsequent influence on water

chemistry

Abstract

This workshop will briefly cover the fundamentals of acid mine drainage production and the alkalinity- producing geochemical systems; the major focus of the workshop will be static and kinetic tests methods for mine drainage prediction The Neutralizaton Potential (NP) test component of the acid-base accounting procedures has been in existence since

1958, and in widespread use in coal mine drainage prediction and mine permitting work since the 1970’s (i.e a series of EPA publications including Sobeck et al., 1978) A modification to the NP test, designed to remove the siderite interference, was introduced

by Skousen et al., 1997 This modification and related data compiled by ADTI and PA DEP, and cooperating laboratories will be presented In addition, a standard reference sample that was developed by USGS and ADTI, will be described This reference sample may be used to confirm laboratory performance on NP tests, and it has been used for other purposes Finally, two kinetic test methods developed by a cooperative research

team including OSM, EPA, IMCC and PA DEP, under the auspices of ADTI, will be presented These kinetic test methods are the ADTI-WP1 Humidity Cell Method and the ADTI-WP2 Leaching Column Method Practical and theoretical aspects of the leaching process will be discussed, and data from 2 years of comparative laboratory testing in commercial labs and a university research lab will be presented Emphasis will be placed upon approaches of how to interpret the data from these static and kinetic test methods.

Workshop on Real Time Mobile Mapping

Keith Garnett, Mining Engineer

Mid Continent Regional Coordinating Center, Office of Surface Mining

501 Belle St., Room 216, Alton, IL 62002

Abstract

Real time mobile mapping is now a reality for natural resource professionals such as Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Specialists and Mine inspectors During the early 1990’s, lightweight global positioning system (GPS) receivers first opened the door for field professionals to accurately locate geographic features and environmental

problems without traditional surveying crews and equipment Further developments in GPS technology during the late 1990’s enabled improvements in accuracy of GPS data with the introduction of real-time GPS correction equipment such as portable beacon receivers and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) enabled GPS units However, standard GPS receivers and even the higher-end GPS mapping equipment lacked the power and capabilities to seamlessly move from the office to the field and back without multiple data conversion and correction exercises Recent innovations in Tablet

computers, card type GPS receivers and Mobile geographic information system (GIS) software make it possible to use existing air photography, satellite imagery and GIS data

to easily and accurately locate natural resource problem features, produce ready-to-use GIS data and maps, and seamlessly extract the data back in the office This workshop will review recent field investigations and mapping activities conducted by the Office of Surface Mining There will be time allotted at the end of the workshop to take the mobilecomputing devices outside for a hands-on session

Workshop on Blasting Procedures

Steve Weinzapfel, Blasting Specialist

Indiana Division of Reclamation

Bill Reisz, Technical Representative

Advanced Initiation Systems, Inc.

Seth Burns, Technical Manager

Nelson Brothers, L.L.C Midwest Division

3520 New Hartford Rd, Suite 302, Owensboro, KY 42303

is a member of a committee that critiqued a publication for methods ofverifying the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (NTBT) for the National Academy

of Sciences

Bill Reisz began blasting career in December of 1977 while working for a small surface mine in Indiana He has since worked for a number of mining interests-most recently as Blaster In Charge at the United Minerals/Black Beauty Somerville Mine near Oakland

City, Indiana Currently he is working for Advanced Initiation Systems based in Walnut Creek, California, providing blaster training and technical support for the Daveytronic Digital Blasting System throughout the United States.

Mike Curtis has 18 years of experience in the commercial explosives industry Hehas held positions in the technical departments and management for El Dorado Chemical, ORICA USA, and presently with Nelson Brothers’ Midwest Business Unit His

experience includes the technical application of explosives, operations, and logistics management, blasting service management, and regulatory compliance

Seth Burns graduated from University of Missouri Rolla with a B.S in Mining

Engineering in 1996 He has worked as a technical representative for El Dorado

Chemical Company for five and a half years He worked as a Senior Technical

Representative for ORICA USA, Inc for two years in the Eastern United States and worked as Technical Manager of Midwest Business Unit for Nelson Brothers for the lastyear in the tri-state area

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Understanding Basic Vibration

This presentation will discuss the basics of vibration and airblast We will attempt to explain the mechanisms for vibration and airblast generation Amplitude, frequency, and period will be discussed Seismographic instrumentation will also be discussed Actual seismographic recordings of blasts will be shown and analyzed for blast design flaws Blasting seismographs are typically used only to prove compliance to applicable

regulations We will show that a seismographic recording can also be a valuable tool for blast design and blast performance evaluation

We will also demonstrate with the use of a shake table, what 1.00 IPS/PPV actually lookslike in respect to frequency and amplitude

SESSION TITLE: Unlocking the Possibilities - I-kon Digital Energy Control SystemThis presentation will cover the Global Product offering area for the I-kon system, followed by reasoning for the use of electronic detonators in blasting We will dive into proven blasting benefits ranging from production to vibration control Next will be a closer look at the electronic blasting system characteristics specific to I-kon And the presentation will conclude with information on blasters’ training programs, information systems and system developments We will also interject some local successes in the Tri-state area

SESSION TITLE: Universal Trends In Blasting Design

This presentation will address some of the latest developments in blasting technology thatwill directly affect the mining industry such as the shift toward computerized blasting programs, GPS engineering and drill monitoring systems There is also a shift toward higher standards for blasters in the field requiring ongoing education and training to meet the increasingly difficult regulatory environment

Having been given a unique opportunity to work on numerous blasting projects

throughout the U.S., I’ve come to recognize many of the common traits of successful blasters By the same token, I have also recognized many common pitfalls and

misperceptions in blast design This presentation will share a few of these observations

in the hope of communicating fundamental blast design principles

I will also discuss briefly the importance of membership in our professional organizations

as a means of staying connected and sharing information

Reclamation Bonding for the Coal Mining Industry – Issues Affecting Reclamation Bond Capacity in the Surety Industry

Mr Aaron Ort, Vice President

Quanta U.S Holdings, Inc.

One Financial Plaza, Suite 1050, Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: (860) 244-2772

Email: atort@quantaholdings.com

Aaron Ort is a Vice President and regional underwriting officer of the Surety unit of Quanta U.S Holdings, Inc Mr Ort brings more than twelve years of surety experience

to his position In his capacity as underwriting officer, Mr Ort has underwriting

responsibility for the Midwest, Northern Plains and Northwestern United States He has specific expertise in reclamation bonding and maintains underwriting responsibility for all mining risks for Quanta Surety on a national basis

Prior to joining Quanta, Mr Ort served as a home office vice president and underwriting officer for Travelers’ commercial surety business with underwriting responsibility for the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Rocky Mountain states In addition, he acted as a national resource for mining industry risks Prior to his home office role, he served in roles of increasing responsibility in Travelers’ surety field organization in the Cincinnati, OH, Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH offices

Mr Ort is actively involved in the National Mining Association and Interstate Mining Compact Commission’s Bonding Task Force, which has involved members of the mining industry, the regulatory agencies and the surety industry in discussions on identifying issues impacting and potential solutions to the current lack of surety capacity for mining companies

Mr Ort received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Miami

University in Oxford, OH, and holds the designation of Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB)

Abstract

1 Overview of Surety Industry Results

2 Factors Impacting Surety Industry Results

3 Surety Industry Response

4 Comparison of Overall Surety Results to Reclamation Results

5 Why has Surety Capacity Left the Reclamation Bonding Market

6 How Do Surety Companies Evaluate Mining Companies and Reclamation Bond Risk

7 Making Yourself Bondable

State Perspective on Regulation of Mine Placement of Coal Combustion Wastes

Mr Greg Conrad, Executive Director

Interstate Mining Compact Commission

445-A Carlisle Drive, Herndon VA 20170

Phone: (703) 709-8654

Email: gconrad@imcc.isa.us

Greg Conrad is Executive Director of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission

(IMCC), a multi-state governmental organization representing 20 mineral producing states Greg has served in his position since 1988 and is responsible for overseeing several issues of importance to the states in the legislative and regulatory arenas

including surface mining and reclamation, mine waste, identification and restoration of abandoned mine lands, and various environmental issues associated with mineral

production such as surface and ground water quality and quantity

Prior to joining IMCC, Greg served for nine years as senior counsel with the American Mining Congress, which is now part of the National Mining Association While with AMC, Greg had primary staff responsibility for several coal related issues including transportation, leasing, research and development initiatives, and surface mining and reclamation

Greg has spoken and presented papers at a variety of conferences hosted by such

organizations as the Eastern Mineral Law Foundation, the Conference of Government Mining Attorneys, the Colorado School of Mines, the Office of Surface Mining, the National Mining Association, the Environmental Law Institute and various state

government groups He has written extensively on mining issues for professional

journals and magazines

Greg graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in business administration and later from the University of Detroit School of Law where he was an associate editor

of the law review He is married, has three children and resides in Chantilly, Virginia

Abstract

This presentation will present an overview of the states’ perspective concerning the regulation of mine placement of coal combustion wastes (CCWs) In particular, the presentation will address the regulatory requirements under RCRA and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) that attend mine placement of CCW The states believe that when a comprehensive comparison of the jurisdictional bases and the applicable statutory and/or regulatory requirements under these two national

environmental laws is undertaken, it is abundantly clear that the states, pursuant to their regulatory programs under SMCRA and/or RCRA, currently and historically have

managed the placement of CCW at minesites in a safe, environmentally protective

manner and that any perceived deficiencies in state programs or plans are just that - perceived but not real There are no significant gaps in regulatory coverage and the statescontinually seek to improve and upgrade their programs where new requirements are identified through program benchmarking and/or federal oversight In the final analysis,

the placement of CCW at minesites amounts to a beneficial use that generally enhances the environment and, in every case, is comprehensively regulated by the states.

Influence of Nursery Cultural Treatments on Performance of Northern Red Oak Seedlings on Former Surface Coal Mines in Indiana

Dr Douglas Jacobs, Assistant Professor

Hardwood Region

Prior to coming to Purdue, Jacobs studied regeneration issues in coniferous species, receiving an M.S degree from the University of Georgia in 1998 and a PhD from OregonState University in 2001

Abstract

Northern red oak (NRO) seedlings were planted April 2003 on two reclaimed surface coal mines in Indiana The objectives of this research are to compare the effectiveness of four stocktypes and assess the contribution of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) and mycorrhizal inoculation (MI) to survival and performance of NRO on reclaimed mined lands The four stocktypes consisted of June-sown and January-sown containerized seedlings,and standard-density (75 seedlings/m2) and low-density (21 seedlings/m2) one year old bareroot seedlings Three treatments were applied to each stocktype: MI, CRF, and both MI and CRF A control was also established for each stocktype Survival, height,and RCD were measured in October 2003 Low-density and standard-density seedling survival was greater than June-sown seedling survival, which was higher than for

January-sown seedlings Height growth was greater for low-density than June and

sown seedlings Standard-density height growth was greater than that of sown seedlings Differences in RCD growth were not significant between treatments Leaf water potential (LWP) was measured to evaluate plant moisture stress January-sown seedlings were less stressed than low-density and standard-density seedlings and June-sown less than low-density seedlings CRF increased moisture stress More research

January-is needed to develop stocktypes able to excel on former surface coal mines